"Our two halves are going great and there's a bit of competition in the outside backs - we've got to get the fullback bit sorted out," Flanagan said.

"That's the way I want it and that's the way it should be - no one is guaranteed anything. It will be great for the club if that competition forces some blokes to pull their finger out and challenge themselves to improve."

Bird sounded resigned to losing his five-eighth spot to their off-season signings.

"I do have a preference somewhere in the backline - either one (fullback), six (pivot) or three (centre)," he said. "I am happy to play in the centres or wherever Shane wants to put me - I am sure I will get the job done."

Flanagan said Bird looked set to feature in a strong Sharks squad that would be out for revenge at next month's Auckland Nines.

South Sydney scored an extra-time try to defeat Cronulla in the 2015 Nines final.

Flanagan said he would blood new signing and pre-season standout Jordan Drew in a strong squad also boasting Ben Barba at the February 6-7 Nines.

"Benny Barba couldn't play it last year (due to injury) and the Nines are made for Benny," Flanagan said.

"We will go there looking to win the competition."

Flanagan said their February 20 trial against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown was likely to preview the 17 to play defending champions North Queensland in their NRL season opener.